Kristian Garic

Kristian Quick Hits: Trap Game? NO

by Kristian Garic, kristian@wwl.com,,posted Dec 14 2013 10:23AM

Too often the media and the fans look at a schedule and see a sub .500 record late in the season and start asking the question: "Is this is a trap game?" Several fans have asked me that very question this week ahead of the Saints Sunday clash with the 5 and 8 St. Louis Rams. The Saints are 10 and 3, coming off a convincing 31 to 13 win against the Carolina Panthers (9-4) back on Sunday night. The Rams have lost six of their last eight games and are playing with a backup quarterback and backups at several other positions. They've been decimated by injury this season. Sounds like I'm making the case for a potential "trap game" huh? Well, actually I’m not.
The Saints can't afford to look past the Rams, and they won’t. The Saints can clinch a playoff spot with a win over St. Louis, furthermore they would be one victory away from clinching the #2 seed and the NFC south divisional crown. The players I've talked to this week have all said that championship teams start playing their best football at this time of the year. The Saints are hoping they've already begun that push toward elite play. If this were in November, or October I would say you have some validity to a "trap game" argument.

The Saints are favored by 6 points over the Rams. This season the Black and Gold have been exactly what their away record says, they are 3-3 on the road. I like the Saints to win this game despite their mediocre road record this season, they're indoors, not dealing with a fired up fan base. The Saints recognize what's in front of them. The Saints should win by at least six points.